Dear friends and neighbors,
I want to thank everyone who joined our telephone town hall last Thursday. We discussed numerous issues including our state deficit, how we are dealing with what’s coming out of the other Washington, and some of the bills that we think will make a difference in the lives of many working families across the state. If you were not able to join the call, click here or on the image below for the audio recording of the event.
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DRAFT BUDGETS HAVE BEEN RELEASED
This past Monday, the House Democratic Caucus (HDC) released our 2025-2027 operating budget proposal, which prioritizes protecting crucial services and programs at current funding levels, while making responsible reductions and freezes to planned spending along with new revenue options. Next step is both chambers have to pass their budgets and, after that, budget writers from both chambers will get together to conference and reach consensus on the final budget. Read this press release for details on what’s in the HDC proposal.
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REMEMBERING FRANK CHOPP
You may have heard over the weekend that former Speaker of the House Frank Chopp passed away. I came to this legislative body a few years after he’d stepped down from his speakership position, but I got to know him a bit over the course of the last biennium, as he was still representing the 43rd district. He retired from public office this past January and the news of his demise is very hard to come to terms with.
Frank Chopp was one of the kindest colleagues I have had the privilege to work with. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know him and will remember him warmly. To learn about who he was and how his work truly transformed this state, please read this release issued by House Democrats after getting word of the sad news.
The photo below was taken on March 2, 2023.
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MY BILLS KEEP MOVING
HB 1069 – I testified last week at the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on HB 1069, which will allow state agencies and employees to negotiate contributions to a union’s supplemental retirement plan, including medical coverage, so workers can retire with dignity. Watch my testimony here. It’s scheduled for a vote March 28.
HB 1644 – The Child Labor Safety Bill, which will increase protections for minor workers and strengthen enforcement measures against businesses that repeatedly violate youth labor laws, had a hearing last week. Watch my testimony before the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce on March 18 here. The committee is scheduled to vote on this important legislation on March 28.
HB 1185 – Adding members with relevant lived experience to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, had a hearing last week in the Senate. Watch my testimony before the Senate Committee on Human Services on March 18 here. The committee passed my bill yesterday.
HB 1105 – The Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce voted to pass my bill 1185, streamlining the bargaining process for the state and Department of Corrections employees. Its next step will hopefully be passage on the Senate floor! HB 1549 – I testified yesterday on this bill that will improve workforce development on public works projects. It’s scheduled for executive session in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on March 28. SOME BILLS I CO-SPONSORED NOW IN THE SENATEHB 1046 – Protects people from being sued if they break into a car to rescue a child, pet, or vulnerable person in danger, if they follow certain rules like calling the police first. HB 1052 – Brings more accountability to hate crime offenses, promoting fairness, dignity, and a justice system that works for everyone. HB 1149 – Expands the crimes of Animal Fighting and Animal Cruelty. HB 1163 – Safeguarding families, children, and communities from gun violence through commonsense protections that keep guns out of dangerous hands. HB 1217 – Providing predictability and stability in rental increases by capping returning renter rent increases at 7 percent. HB 1314 – Makes is easier to build early learning facilities, which are critical to working families and employers in our state. HB 1483 – The Right to Repair ensures Washington residents have the freedom to repair their own devices without unnecessary costs or restrictions. HB 1491 – Increases housing and mixed-use development around transit stops, including both market rate and permanently affordable housing. We need more housing in walkable community hubs around public transportation. HB 1622 – Strengthens workers voice and bargaining rights over implementation of AI in the workplace. HB 1686 – Increases transparency of the health care delivery system to help start to address cost and access. |
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LEGISLATIVE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL SEEKING STUDENTS
Are you a young leader passionate about making a difference? (LYAC) is seeking dedicated students in grades 7-10 to represent their peers and advocate for youth-centered policies.
As a LYAC member, you’ll:
- Meet with legislators and community leaders
- Testify on issues that matter to Washington’s youth
- Help shape state policy and organize events
- Participate in in-person and virtual meetings throughout the year
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Applications are open now and due by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. If you or a student you know is interested in public service, I encourage you to apply and be part of the next generation of civic leaders!
Apply here
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I hope you found this newsletter engaging and useful. If you need more information on the issues discussed here or on any legislative matter, please contact my office. Thank you for your interest in state government and thanks also for the kind feedback I have received from some of you!
In solidarity,
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